Yesterday afternoon, my awesome brother (yes, the soldier!), his wife, and their son came to visit. We had a splediferous time together; Brandon made Indian food, the kids played, the kids whined --a regular evening with family. They left fairly early (before 8PM), and one would think "ooh! Time to wind down before bedtime!" Well, one would be wrong.
More people were coming to look at the house. In fact, three people were coming to look at the house. The next day (which is today; although you're probably reading this tomorrow, which would then make it yesterday. In your mind. If you are even following this), while we were going to be gone. Since our day started this morning before 8AM (I'll get to the reasons soon enough), that meant the house needed to be at least presentable for these possible renters. Therefore, cleaning ensued. Children helped; children went to bed. Husband studied for the GMAT; I finished cleaning.
We got to bed by 11PM. We were up before 6AM, got ourselves ready for the day, and then pulled out by 7:35AM. Where were we going, you ask? Why, thank you for asking! What an inquiring mind you have! Well, we went to #1's Little League Opening Day Ceremonies/Carnival.
It was actually quite fun, to be honest. Not a bad idea. If you have one child. Or two. Or four that are full grown and don't need to be watched constantly. The parade of players was cute. The hundreds and hundreds of people involved was impressive. The uniforms were spankin' fresh and the clean cut grass, mixed with the barbeque's grillin' up burgers had the distinct scent of summer! The kids loved the fun carnival games and bouncy house rides; the food was quite delicious. Brandon and I had volunteered to help with our team's booth (the dunk tank), and so we spent two hours (separately) helping children try to dunk random people. It was actually kind of fun!
But then, the clock hit 1PM, and man, it all went downhill from there.
First, we lost the keys to the mini-van. #1's uniform was locked in said van, and she needed it for pictures at 2:25PM. So, Brandon and I start looking all over the place. While we are looking, I lose track of #3. Brandon was over that-a-way looking for the keys; I had the children. I made #1 and #2 sit down next to the stroller (which carried #4) and I made a quick, non-frantic search for #3. I came back to the kids, and the panic and frantic-ness was starting to build when #1 yelled, "Mom, there's #3!" I turned around and saw his orange shirt and then ran. A kind lady was taking him to the announcer's booth --she had found him in the parking lot. I hugged that boy and wouldn't let go!
But we still didn't have any keys. Brandon decided to drive back to our house (he had his car for various reasons, i.e. leaving part-way through to help someone move, might need to leave early to make it to the GMAT on time, etc.) and get our extra pair of keys. The kids and I continued to ask and look. I gathered the kids over by some empty bleachers, made us kneel/sit down and we said a prayer. Not even 2 minutes later, Brandon called and said: "I think you should have the kids kneel down with you to say a prayer." Great minds, eh?
Then I noticed I had a sunburn. On my hair "part" (women, you understand the pain of this, right?), on my face, my forearms, and on my neck/chest --but only a random circle, because my hair hung long enough in front to protect some of my skin. Why, oh, why didn't I remember sunscreen!? Most of us got some burnage, unfortunately...
Anyway, and Finally, when we had about 15 minutes before team pictures started, I decided to look through the stroller (a.k.a. Holder of jackets, coolers, bags, diapers, garbage, carnival toys, water, and cell phones) again. There, at the bottom of a small lunch cooler, where I had looked three times before, were the keys. Wow. The kids loved that their prayer was answered. I loved it, too, but I would be lying if I didn't admit to feeling like a complete idiot.
#1 got dressed quickly, I bought some water for the parched/burned kids, we got the pictures taken, (by this time, Brandon had left to get to the BART on time), and we headed home. We arrived shortly after 3PM. Yes! 7:30AM to 3PM.
Needless to say, nothing else was done today. Some talking to parents, some emailing friends, some making of dinner. Then there was some putting children to bed, and some frozen yogurt devouring. And a little laundry. Some I-hope-hubby-does-super-well-taking-the-GMAT-tonight thinking. Some guilt for not commenting on enough blogs. Finally, some blog posting.
But just you wait, sweet reader. This week has just gotten started! Monday morning, my awesome, yet active, nephew arrives for 6 days and 5 nights. And Brandon leaves tomorrow (yep, that would be Sunday) for good ol' Utah. And there's a Little League Baseball game Tuesday night. Me, five children under the age of 7, and one of them is playing in the game. Please pray, okay? I'll be sure to let you know if I make it out alive...
P.S. Tomorrow I'm posting my first ever Spotlight Sunday! Don't miss it...
14 comments:
If you want some more excitement with carnivals (this time a school one), go read madhousewife's experience about this weekend!
Phew! I'm tired just reading this post! I hope you went to bed early tonight and get a good night's sleep!
by the way, I just finished watching Northanger Abbey and LOVED it! Now I need to read the book. What a great story and Mr. Tilney at the end....ahhhhh
Oh wow. That is crazy and impressive and who doesn't lose their keys at the bottom of the stroller at least once a week?
Hope the GMAT was a success. That is a lot for one day!
What a day! Glad you survived it. Hope this week goes a little smoother.
You are a brave soul. I hate big crowds with 4 kids. Such stress. I'm glad you found the keys. Crazy day!
It sounds like a crazy day! It sounds like the kids had fun though. My oldest played Tball last year and was on the Pirates team too. He has the same hat. Although, your shirt is a little fancier than the T-shirt that he got.
I hope you survive your week!
WOAH! What a crazy day! I hope you make it through the week!
Good gravy. Such craziness and isn't the van fiasco just the pick of the litter?
I have to say I love big crowds...until I am required to stand in line for something. Then a certain attribute I am lacking called patience comes out through and through.
I'm sorry you had such a crazy day. But you survived!
Good luck this week with your nephew and without your hubby. You'll do great!
Good luck lady! You're going to need it this week. I'll be laughing at you the whole time. :)
Oh my land...this post is completely what being a busy young family is all about...it's it exhausting!!! I'm so glad you made it through the day. Good luck with your nephew! :)
Thanks, you guys! I'm feeling better now, but we'll see how I feel in a few days...
Jamie-
I LOVE me some Mr. Tilney! He is just divine in the whole movie, isn't he!? When they are dancing their first dance, and Katherine's all embarrassed that she's being looked at (by that loser) and says "You mean me?" and Tilney smiles and says "Why not." like a statement...ooh!! I just go nutty. It shows everything perfect about his character in one delightful moment.
And the proposal scene? I swear I've watched it five bazillion times.
Yes. I liked this one. If you can't tell. ;)
Sounds like a day in the life of a mom.... good luck! And I am husbandless for the next 10 days and I only have one kid - but he is one rambunctious kid and didn't fare well for daylight savings time. :) Oh well.
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